2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 81.56.050: Joint rates and through routes.

Whenever the commission shall be of opinion, after hearing had upon its own motion or upon complaint, that the rates and charges in force over two or more railroads, between any two points in the state, are unjust, unreasonable or excessive, or that no satisfactory through route or joint rate exists between such points, and that the public necessities and convenience demand the establishment of a through route and a joint rate between such points, the commission may order such railroads to establish such through route, and may establish and fix a joint rate which will be fair, just, reasonable and sufficient, to be followed, charged, enforced, demanded and collected in the future, and the commission may order that carload freight moving between such points shall be carried by the different companies, parties to such through route and joint rate, without being transferred from the originating cars. In case no agreement exists between such railroads for the interchange of cars, then the commission, before making such order, shall be empowered to, and it shall be its duty, to make rules for the expeditious and safe return and proper compensation for the cars so loaded by the company or companies receiving the same.

[1961 c 14 § 81.56.050. Prior: 1911 c 117 § 57; RRS § 10393.]